Gallup Poll: American Support for Israel Near 20 Year High

American sympathy for Israel has surged, with 63% of Americans siding more with Israelis than with Palestinians, according to a new Gallup poll.

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Malkah Fleisher, 24/02/10 21:03 | updated: 21:54

Gallup poll

courtesy of Gallup.com

American sympathy for Israel in the Arab-Israeli conflict has surged, with 63% of Americans saying they side more with Israelis than with Palestinians, according to a new Gallup poll.

In 1996 and 1997, support for Israel hovered at a lowly 38%. Support for Palestinians is currently 15%, down from 23% a few years ago, according to the poll, which was conducted February 1-3.

The last time Israel enjoyed such high popularity in the United States was almost 20 years ago in January 1991, just after Israel was attacked by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein with Scud missiles during the First Gulf War.

Support from Republicans stands at a towering 85%, up from 77% in recent years, with Democratic and Independent support remaining about the same.

A whopping 67% of Americans are doubtful that a time will ever come in which Arab nations and Israel will "settle their differences" and live in peace. Politically, Democrats (39%) were more inclined to think this scenario would occur than independents (26%) or Republicans (25%).